Pensioner’s bright idea to help church lights up community

People come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of Eric Marshall’s Christmas lights.

The display at over his home and garden in Bagby, near Thirsk, helps to raise money for the Bagby Parish Church and has been a highlight of the festive season for many people who make a point of visiting from across the region.

Mr Marshall said: “I do it every year. I have got a little church that sings Christmas carols, nativity scenes with baby Jesus and lots of snowmen, Father Christmases, you name it. It takes about two-and-a-half weeks to put together.

“I started doing the displays years and years ago.”

Last year Mr Marshall’s efforts raised an impressive £800 for church funds and this year he is hoping he may better his total.

Each year he has to use his workshop to carry out repairs to ensure his lights are all in working order. This year’s display, he believes, has used 5,000 lights throughout his festive display which illuminates his house and garden.

Mr Marshall added: “They come from all over Yorkshire to see my lights.

“I’ve even had visitors from as far afield as Newcastle and Scarborough and York.”

The pensioner says at the age of 74, he is a bit old to be putting up lights on roofs, but still may be persuaded to do it all again next year.